Ramadan 2010 begins today and will be strictly observed by millions of Muslims
around the world.

In the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, in which the first verses of the Qur'an are said to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, participating Muslims refrain from drinking, eating and sexual activities from dawn until sunset.

Fasting is intended to teach Muslims the virtues of patience, humility and spirituality, and is carried out as an offering to God.

In the Qu'ran, Allah proclaims that "fasting has been written down upon you, as it was upon those before you".

Participants rise in the darkness to eat a pre-dawn meal called “sahur”. They must stop eating and drinking before the dawn call to prayer, and must not break their fast until the fourth call to prayer at dusk.

Muslims are expected to start observing the fasting ritual once they reach puberty, as long as they are healthy.